The Green Bay Packers have a stellar offensive attack, but managed just 11 rushing touchdowns in 2016. Will they be able to surpass that this season?
The Green Bay Packers headed into last season with Eddie Lacy on their roster. Due to that, they had a chance to garner several rushing touchdowns throughout the season. Lacy only had 71 careers on the year, though, and failed to find the end zone to finish off any of them.
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Ty Montgomery finished the year as the feature back and picked up three rushing touchdowns. Christine Michael and Jeff Janis had one touchdown on the ground each, while fullback Aaron Ripkowski ran it in twice. Finally, quarterback Aaron Rodgers led the team with four touchdowns.
The 2017 season will see Montgomery in the running back role for an entire season. All of his backups are rookies, and it’s unclear who will serve which role for the most part. Montgomery isn’t much of a bruiser, though, so his goal line carries could be limited.
Due to the lack of proven power backs, however, the Packers could choose to pass on goal-to-go downs. This is also thanks to having one of the best quarterbacks in football, Rodgers.
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With that in mind, it’s hard to predict too many touchdowns on the ground for the Packers. When points are absolutely needed, you’d imagine they’ll go with what’s worked in the past, and that’s letting Rodgers air it out.
With that being said, Montgomery should get a lot more than 77 carries in 2017. He’s got big-play potential and could break off a few longer touchdown runs. Meanwhile, Jamaal Williams seems to be a decent all-around back who could steal a few touchdowns.
Finally, there are some big bodies in the backfield. Devante Mays was drafted in the seventh round of the draft in 2017, and is listed at 5-10, 230 pounds. At that size, he could find himself in a short yardage role. Of course, he’ll have to prove himself before he’s given such an important job. Since he’s born on my birthday (May 26), I’ve got to root for him though.
With some new blood in the backfield, and a full season of Montgomery, the Packers could find a way into the end zone by way of the ground attack a little more in 2017. Rodgers will of course sneak a few touchdowns for himself.
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11 usually isn’t a tough number to top, but when a group’s this inexperienced, it becomes a mountain. The Packers will find a way though, and pass that number — if only barely.